Truth & Rumors > MLB
Ankiel has Nats seeking CF upgrade
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08:13 AM ET 04.19 | Washington is a city where left, right and center are always part of the discussion, though in this case it refers to its baseball team's outfield. Center field was a glaring need for the Nationals before they traded Nyjer Morgan, and remains a glaring need both short- and long-term. The Nats are set in right with Jayson Werth, who is signed through 2017. They should be set in left with top prospect Bryce Harper, who could arrive as soon as next season. Center, though, currently belongs to Rick Ankiel, who profiles more as a platoon player against right-handers than a regular. The Nats, who rank 14th in the NL in OPS from center field, are searching for potential upgrades, major league sources say. Club officials are mixed on Roger Bernadina, who is playing every day at Triple A.
Rick Ankiel, Getty Images
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Comments (25) Add A Comment
Wait, so someone who hits .230 isnt going to fill the void? Maybe they could bring him back as a pitcher...again.
no soup for you
Total Comments (311)
THE "What Might Have Been". .230 is great for a pitcher with an unbelievable curve.
CrimeDog
Total Comments (9)
He did have a nasty overhand curve. Such a pity we never got to see him reach his potential on the mound.
ElevenRingsSTL
Total Comments (2981)
He had a great heater too. Unfortunately he could barely get it in the same zip code as the stadium.
The Moose
Total Comments (24431)
This seems a little premature. A .300 hitter he probably won't be but .260 with 20HRs and solid defense is worth keeping around.
CardinalPride25
Chicago , IL
Total Comments (95)
As the article says, he's a platoon player. If you just keep him againsts righthanders then yeah, .260/20 is reasonable.
The Moose
Total Comments (24431)
Man...Randy Johnson was wilder than Ankiel when he was younger. So were Nolan Ryan and Sandy Koufax. The HOF pictures who were historically wild as kids. I'm not saying he would have been a HOF'er, but I cannot believe there was nobody who could have solved this guy and gotten 16-7 out of him for 10-15 years.
BonusEruptus
Hicksville , NY
Total Comments (849)
THREE HOF PITCHERS. oooh boy, more coffee please.
BonusEruptus
Hicksville , NY
Total Comments (849)
Ankiel was like Steve Blass - all in his head. A pitching coach can't fix that.
The Moose
Total Comments (24431)
Yes, Ten Rings. A fellow St. Louisan is misty eyed for yesternever.
CrimeDog
Total Comments (9)
They knew when they signed him that Ankiel is a platoon player. So, Nats are to be rightfully criticized for letting this situation happen. the other "void" that the trade of Nyjer left is at the leadoff spot. I put quotes around void because wasn't the guy they hoped for. Getting rid of him as the right thing to do..getting rid of him without knowing what you'd next is wrong.
Hatrunner
Total Comments (1963)
Totally agree. The Nationals were not trying to build a playoff contender for this year. They simply have too many holes to fill. The goal is to make progress while developing a solid foundation of talent and character. In light of the fact that there weren't any quality young center fielders available, the Nats could have done a lot worse than Ankiel, a quality guy with acceptable defensive skills and an adequate bat against righties. I'm sure a center field upgrade will be necessary to get the Nationals over the hump and into the playoffs, but that won't be until at least the 2013 season. In the mean time, I'm fine with Ankiel.
conngs
Total Comments (114)
this was my first thougt..what....The Natinals are going jawface in April.....2nd thought....why they hatin on whitey? (and that is....a joke.....much like the Natinals)
DENVERROB
Total Comments (2455)
the nationals always making the wrong moves!!!
alacran
Total Comments (14457)
maybe they should try to sign better prospect from the marlins???
alacran
Total Comments (14457)
could the nationals replace that useless manager, after all he has done nothing right till now!!
alacran
Total Comments (14457)
16 and 7 for 15 years? You realize that would be one of the highest winning percentages in baseball history and make him a first ballot hall of famer. I'm guessing God would have been his pitching coach.
trooper707
Total Comments (3486)
Sounds like Ankiel should be a platoon player, not an every day guy. Also, if it were just a case of his being a young, wild pitcher, then he most definitely would still be a pitcher...not a below average outfielder. The Nats should make a trade up the beltway for Felix Pie....
the next level
Elkridge, MD
Total Comments (13)
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